A group of eight independent UN human rights experts has called on FIFA and UEFA to suspend “Israel” from international football competitions over accusations of genocide in Gaza.
In a joint statement, the experts declared, “Sports must reject the perception that it is business as usual. National teams representing States that commit massive human rights violations can and should be suspended.”
The experts, who serve under mandates from the UN Human Rights Council, argued that suspending “Israel” was “a necessary response to address the ongoing genocide.” Among them is Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.
UN Commission of Inquiry findings
The call comes after the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI) on the Occupied Palestinian Territory concluded on September 16, 2025, that “Israel” is committing genocide in Gaza.
The commission, led by former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, determined that Israeli authorities had committed four of the five acts of genocide defined under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
The report named Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant as figures who had “incited” genocide.Precedent in international sports
The experts highlighted the precedent set in 2022, when FIFA and UEFA swiftly suspended Russia following the war in Ukraine. Within just four days, Russian teams were barred from competitions, including the World Cup and Europa League.
By contrast, despite the UN Commission and multiple rulings from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), no suspension has been imposed on “Israel”. Former football star Eric Cantona criticised this disparity, noting that while Russia was suspended almost immediately, more than 700 days into what Amnesty International has called genocide, “Israel” continues to compete. Cantona added that “FIFA and UEFA must suspend Israel. Clubs everywhere must refuse to play Israeli teams.”
FIFA, UEFA’s Responsibilities
Despite symbolic gestures, such as UEFA displaying banners reading: “Stop Killing Children, Stop Killing Civilians,” no concrete measures have been taken against “Israel”.
UN experts argue that FIFA and UEFA are bound by international human rights law under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. FIFA’s statutes explicitly commit the body to respect human rights, while Article 16 empowers its council to suspend members violating obligations. Similarly, UEFA regulations uphold ethical conduct and integrity.
Growing global pressure
Calls for action are expanding worldwide. The #GameOverIsrael campaign, backed by prominent figures including Gary Lineker, Liam Cunningham, and Eric Cantona, has demanded “Israel’s” expulsion from global football. A giant billboard in New York’s Times Square amplified the message.
Political leaders have also weighed in. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has urged “Israel’s” exclusion from international competitions, while the Irish Football Association and several European clubs have voiced support for suspension.
Palestinian sports under siege
The ongoing genocide has devastated Palestine’s sports sector. According to the Palestinian Football Association, more than 800 athletes and sports officials have been killed since October 2023, nearly half of them football players and many of them children.
Among the victims were Majid Abu Marakil, Palestine’s first Olympian; Paralympic cyclist Ahmad al-Dali; and former national team player Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the “Palestinian Pelé”.
Infrastructure has also been systematically destroyed. Over 280 sports facilities, including stadiums and gyms, have been demolished or severely damaged. Historic venues such as Gaza’s Yarmuk Stadium, built in 1951, have been reduced to rubble. Some stadiums have even been converted into mass graves or displacement shelters.
